It’s peak season for your local farmers’ market. Shop local, save big. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s RTownShopper.com’s tagline and one that we believe in.

Farmers’ market advocates believe the markets help farmers stay in business as well as preserve natural resources. They also provide an opportunity for farmers and people from urban communities to deal directly with each other rather than through third parties and to thereby get to know and learn from one another. Wholesale prices farmers get for their produce are very low, often near the cost of production. Farmers who sell direct to the public without going through a middle man get a better price. It can be shown that the preservation of farmland is important for the health of the environment and water supply. According to the American Farmland Trust, sustainable and managed farms conserve soil and clean water and provide a habitat for wildlife.

Farmers’ market produce is renowned for being locally grown and very fresh and often features naturally or organically grown produce. You’ll find the season’s best vegetables, fruits, flowers, and specialty products all produced in Wisconsin. Farmers’ markets often feature meats that are raised humanely on pasture, handmade cheeses, eggs, and free-range poultry. Produce is picked at peak times, preserving the nutritional content of fresh produce. Since locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel far, the difference in mileage saves fossil fuels.

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